America’s love affair with the lawn is fading. For generations, the manicured emerald patches that graced front yards were a symbol of the American dream and pride of homeownership. But now many homeowners are ditching their turfgrass for a more natural, eco-friendly greenspace: the meadowscape. Read the article………………………..
Lights, Camera, Lawsuit! Your Property, Common Property, and Intellectual Property
Movies and music provide immense amounts of joy and entertainment to people all over the world. Collectively, the movie and music industries are worth upwards of twelve figures in revenue in a single year (for those of you counting the zeros on your hands at home . . . that’s north of $100,000,000,000.00 a year!). […]
Transparency in HOA’s architectural review process
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining a neighborhood’s aesthetic and structural integrity. When homeowners want to make changes to the exterior of their homes, such as adding a new fence or changing its paint color, they often need approval from the HOA. Read the article………………………..
Why Your Board Should List All Damages Following a Hurricane
In the aftermath of a hurricane, community associations face numerous challenges, including assessing and documenting the damages caused by the storm. While the immediate focus is often on cleanup and recovery, it is crucial for association boards to prioritize the comprehensive listing of all damages incurred. This blog post aims to highlight the importance of […]
Florida Statute, 720.3045, Installation, Display and Storage of Items
Numerous homeowner associations have declarations, covenants, conditions, and restrictions for the storage items on their property, regardless of where the items are stored and whether such items are visible to third parties. Such storage items may include boats, trailers, sheds, construction equipment, and junk. Read the article………………………..
Annoyance, Harassment, Complaint ot Threat: When Should Boards Act and What Should They Do?
Remember when people would ask in the middle of a heated dispute: “Can’t we all just get along?” No one asks that question very often anymore because the answer clearly is, no. We can’t get along. We can’t seem to behave with even moderate civility. Debates (loosely defined) in Congress are only one example. Read […]
To Pickleball or Not to Pickleball? That is the Question (CA)
Pickleball is one of America’s fastest-growing sports.[1] This surge has in turn generated professional tournaments, corporate sponsors, and professional players. Many homeowners, eager for a new amenity and a new hobby, have asked their community associations to create pickleball courts. Read the article………………………..
Problem Solved – Accessing a Unit (MA)
Most governing documents allow the trust to gain access to an owner’s unit to deal with both emergency and non-emergency situations. So the first step is to review the association’s documents to make sure they provide this authority Read the article………………………..
Codes of Conduct for Association Volunteers (CA)
Generally, board members of common interest developments are volunteers dedicating their time, skills and energy to serve the communities within which they live. Indeed, without these director volunteers, community associations would be unable to properly function. Similarly, committee members are volunteers who work on specific projects within a community. Read the article………………………..
HOA Special Assessment- What is it?
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are known for imposing various types of fees to maintain and enhance community living. Among these charges, the concept of “HOA special assessments” may arise, often leaving homeowners puzzled. What are special assessments, and why are they necessary? Read the article………………………..
Chickens and Your HOA (TX)
It’s no secret that owning chickens remains a hot topic within HOAs across the country, but many people have a lot of fear around the idea. Whether it be noise, smell, property value, or other concerns, homeowners and board members alike want to know, is having chickens in your community worth it? Read the article………………………..
HOA Community Emergency Preparedness
We are in the middle of the official hurricane season for 2023. Though we have not had a storm yet, we know how quickly things can change and how fast an emergency can arise. For the safety of community members, HOAs should implement an emergency preparedness plan for the community. Read the article………………………..
Condo/HOA payment plans
Personal finance issues can easily seep into condo and HOA affairs. When a tough economy makes it challenging for average income earners to keep up, they begin to evaluate where they can reduce costs or delay payments. For some, putting a temporary pause on payments owed to their condo or HOA might seem like a […]
What Capital Expenditures Do Reserve Funds For An HOA Cover?
HOA reserve funds are crucial for maintaining and replacing community assets. These funds cover expenses like asphalt street replacements, new recreational areas, and significant landscaping projects. Finding out if a community has adequate capital reserves is one of the most vital questions when buying a condo. Read the article………………………..
Living in Harmony: The Art of Being a Good Neighbor
While a house can help homeowners create a certain lifestyle, the people you live near can also have an impact on your quality of life. Many say that their neighbors have become a major part of their lives. Read the article………………………..
What a Condo Association Should Know About Rule Changes (IL)
A condo association must occasionally change rules that are no longer working or introduce new rules to manage a new situation. It is normal and natural that the rules and procedures condo owners are subjected to may need to be updated from time to time. However, initiating those changes may be a process. A condo […]
Tips for Negotiating a Contract (OH)
Before entering into a contract, an association has the opportunity to negotiate terms that provide more protection for the community. One critical aspect of contract negotiation is defining the scope of work. It is essential that all parties involved understand what the project entails and how it will be completed. Read the article………………………..
HOA dispute turns into major legal battle (FL)
There are many benefits associated with living in a community with a governing body. This group oversees the maintenance of common areas and protects the property values of residents. However, there are times when an HOA can overstep its bounds or take steps that result in a conflict with residents. Recently, a dispute between a […]
Final Demand Letters: A Comprehensive Guide to A.R.S. 33-1807(K) Compliance (AZ)
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condominium associations play a vital role in maintaining the harmony and integrity of planned communities. To ensure timely payment of assessments, these associations may need to resort to a collections process when homeowners become delinquent. It is vital for board members to understand and follow the legal procedures outlined in Arizona […]
Make Sure Your Docs Don’t Cost You Money – Pt. 2 (FL)
Last week was a primer on how foreclosures generally work and how banks get off the hook when they get back a unit when they foreclose on an owner’s unit or home. We learned that the banks are protected by the law because they only owe a few bucks to the association when they get […]
Condominium Associations Need to Cooperate and Provide Information to Move Along a Property Insurance Claim
Most property insurance companies take too long to investigate, request far too many documents, and delay analyzing the documents after they obtain them so that months pass before a decision is made on the property loss. This is not proper and not in the spirit of good faith claims service all condominiums are promised and […]
When Can HOA Fees Be Deducted From Your Taxes?
HOA fees are typical for homeowners, but can they be deducted from your taxes? The deductibility of HOA fees depends on various factors. We will provide an overview of HOA fees and taxes, explore the IRS regulations, and discusses potential exceptions and considerations for rental properties and small business owners. Read the article………………………..
Pride and Prejudiced – When to Report Insurance Claims
A condominium association in Florida is required by law to “use its best efforts to obtain and maintain adequate property insurance to protect the association, the association property, the common elements, and the condominium property, which must be insured by the association pursuant to this subsection.” §718.111(11), F.S. While condominium associations are required to use […]
Will You Get Arrested for Violating HOA Rules?
Homeowners Associations play a vital role in maintaining the aesthetics and overall well-being of a community. By implementing rules and regulations, HOAs strive to ensure that the neighborhood remains attractive, safe, and harmonious. However, it’s important for homeowners to understand what the consequences are for violating HOA rules and whether they could face severe penalties, […]
What If Our Association’s Fire/Casualty Insurance Is Cancelled Due To Risk Of Wildfires? (CA)
If your Association is located in a high-risk fire area, what can your Board of Directors do if the current master policy of fire and casualty insurance on your condominium or townhome buildings is not renewed? Due to the massive wildfires that have swept California over the past two years, many insurance companies (and their […]
Can You Charge Electric Cars at Your Condo Building? (IL)
With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and the growing concern for sustainable transportation, condominium owners and property managers are faced with a crucial question: Can you charge electric cars at your condo building? Read the article………………………..
Monitoring Fraud in Condo Associations: The Do’s and Don’ts (IL)
Condominium associations hold a significant level of trust, as they are responsible for managing the community’s financial affairs and overall well-being. Fraud can have devastating consequences for the condominium, both financially and reputationally. Not only does fraud have the potential to break down relationships between neighbors, but it can also cause a significant increase in […]
Why Your Board Should Have an SOP for Hurricane Evacuations
As an HOA board member, you play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of your community, especially during times of natural disasters like hurricanes. To effectively manage the potential risks and challenges associated with such events, it is crucial for your HOA board to have a well-defined standard operating procedure (SOP) for […]
Safeguarding Community Associations: The Annual Insurance Review Imperative
As community association board members serve as the governing body of neighborhoods, preserving their vitality and protecting their assets becomes a collective responsibility. In the realm of safeguarding, a vital practice is the annual review of insurance policies. In addition to essential coverages such as Property, Liability, and Building and Ordinance policies, let’s look at […]
Pickleball on the Rise in HOAs
Described as a combination of tennis, Ping-Pong, and badminton, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, a trade group. Pickleball grew a startling 40% between 2019 and 2021. Read the article………………………..
Refresher on Enforcing an Association’s Restrictions (IL)
Every community association has owners that violate the association’s community instruments. To ensure harmony and cohesiveness and to help avoid problems, the board of directors must enforce the restrictions contained within the association’s community instruments.Read the article………………………..
Resources for Multifamily Boards Where Communities Go to Stay in the Know
The Community Associations Network (www.communityassociations.net) is an online resource that aggregates news and information related to co-ops, condos, and HOAs. There, boards and service professionals can access the latest on legislation, events, and issues pertaining to association living and governance throughout the U.S. and Canada. Read the article………………………..
The ups and downs of communities with HOAs (AZ)
In many communities, homes aren’t just part of a neighborhood. They’re part of a homeowner association, a body that regulates certain aspects of homeowner conduct, a home’s appearance and common areas in a neighborhood. Read the article………………………..
EV Chargers Are Coming to Your Community – Are you Ready? (FL)
An individual owner files an application to the association for an EV Charger in a designated parking space. Did you know by law, that if the Board does not respond in 60 days the application is deemed approved and owner can proceed with an installation for their exclusive use? Listen to the audio………………………..
Parliamentarian Pro Tips: Assisting Large Meetings
Large annual meetings and conventions create special demands on the parliamentarian. For example, numerous business items may move very quickly with lightning speed. The large audience and attendees milling about make it difficult to see who wishes to be recognized to speak. Read the article………………………..
Best Practices for Planning and Evaluating Your Condo and HOA Budget
A thriving community starts with a thoughtfully prepared budget. Financial planning helps ensure a stable future for any condominium, homeowner (HOA), or townhome association. Accordingly, board members must take their financial responsibilities seriously. Read the article………………………..
Unlocking the Magic of HO6 Insurance
When it comes to safeguarding your condominium or townhome investment, having the appropriate insurance coverage is vital. The HO6 insurance policy is specifically designed to fill the gaps left by the master insurance policy held by the association. In this article, we will delve into what HO6 insurance entails, its significance, key inquiries to make […]
A Primer for Co-op and Condo Boards on How to Handle Hoarders (NY)
With aging populations, many co-op and condo boards are struggling with residents whose abilities to care for themselves are greatly diminished. In some cases, an elderly shareholder or unit-owner may only need greater attention from her neighbors and building staff. Read the article………………………..
TradeMark Condominium: Cohesion and community at Charlotte high-rise (NC)
Nestled among the tall, brilliant, and imposing skyscrapers of Charlotte, N.C., sits the TradeMark Condominium. Built in 2006, this 28-story, high-rise community evokes a warm, inviting, and family-like atmosphere in this major financial center in the Southeastern U.S. Read the article………………………..
Enhancing Community Safety and Financial Planning: New Reserve Study Standards
Community Associations play a vital role in managing and maintaining the shared assets of their members. However, ensuring the safety and longevity of these properties requires meticulous planning and budgeting. In response to the tragic incident at Champlain Towers South, the Community Associations Institute (CAI) has taken decisive steps to promote safer and financially sound […]
Simple Bylaw Amendments to Improve Community Operations (CO)
Outdated and burdensome provisions within the association’s bylaws can serve to hinder operations and needlessly increase administrative costs. For example, does your board conduct business via email? The association’s bylaws likely have a provision that sets forth the requirements for the board to make decisions outside of a board meeting (such as email) and it […]
Approving and Signing Association Contracts (OH)
Associations act through their boards of directors. This means that, for an association to take any action, the board of directors must collectively vote to approve that action. As it relates to contracts, boards of directors should vote to approve contracts and document all votes approving contracts in the association’s minutes. The minutes should read […]